Ryanair Holdings PLC pilots campaigning for unionization amid a staffing crisis that¡¯s led to the cancellation of 20,000 flights have been offered financial backing from American Airlines Group Inc.¡¯s cockpit-crew association.

The Allied Pilots Association has offered to support Ryanair crews in forming a union or joining an existing body such as the Irish Air Line Pilots¡¯ Association, according to Daniel Carey, president of the U.S. group, who met with the Dublin-based carrier¡¯s employees last week in the city. The APA is aiming to stem the hiring of staff on unappealing contracts through outsourcing firms.

¡°We¡¯ve been following the Ryanair model and we don¡¯t want indirect employment to come to America,¡± Carey said, adding that Fort Worth, Texas-based APA is open to pitching in with communication expertise, IT support, additional manpower and financial assistance.